Club member M Harris with a typical selection of his indoor models.
See how Balsa and a plan progresses into a real flying machine.
Indoor Flying - Rubber, Electric and Hand launched
At present our club has the use of a small hall ( approx. flying area 24' x 40' with a reasonable ceiling height) once a month on
a Sunday afternoon. This is suitable for small hand-launched gliders ( HLGs) , small rubber powered models ( inc the BMFA Dart etc)
and the small RC/Infra-red controlled electric models that seem to be available very cheaply at many toy outlets.
We are also
fortunate in that we are able to join with some "local" helicopter fliers and use the venue that they hire for their winter practising
( on an almost weekly basis).
This is at the Bath & West showground ( Shepton Mallet ) and is a hall with a clear area of nearly
180' x 90' . ( 166metres x 83 metres in new money ! ). With the RC helicopters flying at one end we still have plenty of space for
small R/C aircraft and all manner of freeflight at the other end.
If you are interested in attending either venue please give
Dave a call on 0117 9672323 for further details.
Scratchbuilt Evans VP1 - the beginnings.
Evans VP1 - nearly there...
Evans VP1 - finished model!
Scratchbuilt Oshkosh racer - the beginnings
Finished Oshkosh racer
Oshkosh racer with scale prop for judging
Some types of models suitable for flying in our small hall
1. Living Room Stick ( LRS) - 7” span duration rubber model – good flying on a budget – but only if you have delicate fingers! Capable of several minutes flight.
2. Kolibri – almost a version of LRS but bought as a ready built clip together foam winged model.
3. Avionette – another commercially obtainable indoor model with a semi-scale appearance. Just clips together and performs really well straight from the box.
4. EZB ( easy B ) 18” span “tissue” covered duration model. Flies very slowly – capable of 6 mins + flights in larger halls and in the hands of experts!
5. Foamie - a typical small semi-scale model carved from foam and rubber powered 9” span. Minimal cost to build and good fun to fly..
6. Jet – a rather unusual semi-scale electric ducted fan model for indoor use . 18” span...
7. Dart - Available very cheaply from the BMFA and a great introduction to building and trimming rubber models. Also a great flyer – suitable for almost any age..
8. SE5a – a “pistachio” scale model ( span 8” ) of traditional “stick and tissue” construction . Made for competition flying. Note non-scale flying prop..
Evans VP1 - Finished!